: knowledge of how to do something smoothly and efficiently : expertise

Examples of know-how in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The know-how and breadth of the webtoon platforms is also at a level now. Patrick Frater, Variety, 5 Dec. 2023 Instead, the region saw few boons, and most of the jobs went to outsiders with more technical know-how. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Nov. 2023 The company also requires legal and cybersecurity know-how, and directors with more governance experience, especially considering the complicated structure of this company, says Patricia Lenkov, CEO and founder of Agility Executive Search. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2023 Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council share and explain some key strategies for creating and maintaining a secure, efficient network—essential know-how in today’s digital workplace. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 There are many more details to master, but Dobbs has shown enough know-how to turn opportunities into touchdowns that have allowed the Vikings to build leads and take home victories. Steve Silverman, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 The company’s background in electronics and know-how gained from making smartphones, games consoles and other devices should help with that. Jane Lanhee Lee, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2023 Mechanics need access to these parts in order to build up the know-how required to fix up EVs when they get involved in accidents. WIRED, 19 Nov. 2023 Soviet versus start-up To combat Russia’s century of Soviet know-how in electronic attack and defense, Ukraine has turned to a start-up approach associated with Silicon Valley. Aaron Krolik, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'know-how.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of know-how was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near know-how

Cite this Entry

“Know-how.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know-how. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

know-how

noun
ˈnō-ˌhau̇
: knowledge of how to get things done : expertise

More from Merriam-Webster on know-how

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